Mission TX March 13-21

We've been trying to see some of the local sights and restaurants before we head north. On Sunday 3/13 the boys took us out to dinner at Hayashi Hibachi Japanese steakhouse.  It was a first for Joe and Nancy.   They had excellent pomegranate and cucumber martinis! We were all stuffed when we got done- after salads, rice, grilled veggies and meats.

We saw a great gospel show at the park, Faith's Journey.  Deana and Jonathon are staying in the park and we've met them at the pool several times. Starting in April they will be playing in Branson at the God and Country Theater with the rest of their group.  Wonderful performers!!  www.faithsjourneytrio.com

We took a trip west of Mission with Deb and Bill one day- we stopped in Rio Grande City, an old town with several sights including a huge grotto built in the 1920's by a German priest.

We also toured the LaBorde House, a mansion built in the 1880's and later restored into a hotel/restaurant.  It had a tunnel that went to the Rio Grande River, which was closed off in the 50's. May have been some illegal activities going on, especially during Prohibition. They are still renting out rooms, we got to see them all, and most had a clawfoot bathtub in the room.  Very interesting!

We had lunch at Case de Adobe, which was a restored house and I tried chicken fried steak for the first time. Don't have to have it again!  We drove west of town to Falcon Lake State Park, which is a huge reservoir on the Rio Grande.  We drove through the campground- there were quite a few people camped there since it was spring break week.  Lots of fishing going on!

That night after we got back we went to the rodeo in Mercedes, east of Mission.  There were tons of families there, it took a long time to get into the parking lot, stand in line for tickets (twice) and food.  The night we went they had PRCA Bull Riding and mutton busting (little kids trying to ride on the back of sheep).  We left at 9:30 to avoid the crowds getting out and besides, it was past our bedtime!

On St. Patrick's day they had a golf cart parade in the park- since we don't have carts we decorated our vehicles and campsites and set up chairs to watch when the parade came by. Kirk and Bill handed out shots of Jamison's whiskey to the people going by.  A few neighbors stopped by and stayed, so we ended up sharing Deb's corned beef and cabbage dinner with them.  Had a great time- Ken brought his banjo and guitar over so he and Nancy played for us again.

Buddy and Charlie kept their hats on for hours!

On Saturday we went to a "Redneck Party" at Larry and Marilyn's house.  Everyone was dressed up and they had fun games. It was a great time!

On Sunday after church we went to Edinburg (north of here) to visit the Museum of South Texas History. The displays were very well done and included sound effects. We spent a couple of hours there and would definitely recommend it.

Mission TX Feb 29 to March 12

On 2/29 we went to South Padre Island with Bill and Deb. Although it was nice when we left Mission, by the time we got there it was 69 and raining.  We paid $10 to park at the beach but did not stay due to the wind and rain. A few brave souls were walking the beach. We drove to the north end where the road ends. The sand dunes were blowing over the road and they were pushing the sand back.  We went to lunch at Blackbeard's and enjoyed the fresh fish, bought a few souvenirs and went back to Mission.  We'll have to go back after the spring breaks are over to walk the beach.
Checking out restaurants-we had lunch at Rudy's, a BBQ place that has very good ribs, smoked turkey, ribs, brisket, etc. in a picnic atmosphere. Lots of locals there which is a very good sign. We also went for pancakes at Cracker Barrel one morning to support the USO.
Kirk celebrated his 65th birthday on March 5. We had Tres Leches cake that a local at Wal-Mart recommended- very moist cake with fresh fruit on top.

It's been pretty hot here, 80's and 90's and even some days in the 100's.  There is usually a breeze.  The citrus trees are blooming now- the orange blossoms smell wonderful! We had two days of rain, the first since we arrived!  The cacti should be blooming soon too. We've been cooking outside a lot.  On 3/6 we went to our street's block party, which was well attended.  We invited a neighbor to play his guitar/keyboard and that was a hit, as was our LP campfire. On Friday 3/11 we had a fish fry, and several neighbors stopped by to check it out and try Kirk's Old Fashions.

We went to Progreso, Mexico one day- three blocks full of dentists, pharmacies, and souvenir shops.  Kirk, Deb and Bill had their teeth cleaned for $20.  

We've all been playing pickleball and using the pool almost daily.  There are fewer people in the park, lots have left for home already.  We plan to leave on April 5 and head to Texas hill country for a week before returning home.  Having a great time!